Cosmetic preparation containing ultraviolet wavelength conversion material and water-soluble thickening agent

ABSTRACT

To provide a novel cosmetic, comprising a UV wavelength conversion substance and a water-soluble thickener.

FIELD

The present invention relates to a cosmetic composition having a cell activation action and comprising a UV wavelength conversion substance and a water-soluble thickener.

BACKGROUND

Ultraviolet is considered to generate free radicals in vivo and thereby cause oxidation of sebum and damage to cellular DNA. Examples of the damage caused by ultraviolet to skin include adverse effects such as skin cancer, photoaging, spots, wrinkles, and inflammation. These are undesirable from a health and beauty perspective. Although ultraviolet has been used for the purpose of sterilization, it is currently focused on protection from rather than active use of ultraviolet in consideration of the balance with harmful effects caused by ultraviolet.

Thus, many measures have been taken to protect skin from ultraviolet. Examples thereof include use of sunscreens, indoor activities avoiding sunlight, and use of UV-cut hats or clothing, and ultraviolet cut films.

For example, PTL 12 describes a cosmetic base containing a fluorescent zinc oxide but not containing the water-soluble thickener according to the present invention. PTL 12 does not describe a UV wavelength conversion substance for bringing about a cell activation effect.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

-   [PTL 1] Japanese Registered Patent Publication No. 6424656 -   [PTL 2] Japanese Registered Patent Publication No. 6361416 -   [PTL 3] WO 2018/004006 -   [PTL 4] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No.     2018-131422 -   [PTL 5] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 5-117127 -   [PTL 6] Japanese Registered Patent Publication No. 4048420 -   [PTL 7] Japanese Registered Patent Publication No. 4677250 -   [PTL 8] Japanese Registered Patent Publication No. 3303942 -   [PTL 9] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No.     2017-88719 -   [PTL 10] WO 2018/117117 -   [PTL 11] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No.     2015-120682 -   [PTL 12] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 3-284613

SUMMARY Technical Problem

An object of the present invention is to provide a novel cosmetic having a cell activation action utilizing ultraviolet.

Solution to Problem

The present inventors have conducted intensive studies so that ultraviolet can be effectively used for skin. As a result, the present inventors have conceived of a cosmetic having an excellent cell activation action and containing a UV wavelength conversion substance and a water-soluble thickener.

The present application provides the following inventions.

(1) A cosmetic comprising: (A) a UV wavelength conversion substance and (B) one or more water-soluble thickeners selected from the group of an alkyl-modified carboxyvinyl polymer, an associative thickener, xanthan gum, and a (meth)acrylic acid/alkyl (meth)acrylate/(meth)acrylic acid POE monoalkyl ether ester/ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate interpolymer. (2) The cosmetic according to (1), wherein the (A) UV wavelength conversion substance comprises an inorganic UV wavelength conversion substance. (3) The cosmetic according to (2), wherein the inorganic UV wavelength conversion substance comprises a zinc oxide phosphor and/or a magnesium titanate phosphor. (4) The cosmetic according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the (A) UV wavelength conversion substance comprises an organic UV wavelength conversion substance. (5) The cosmetic according to (4), wherein the organic UV wavelength conversion substance comprises one or more selected from the group of: phycobiliproteins such as phycocyanin, phycoerythrocyanin, and phycoerythrin; natural or synthetic components such as vitamin A, n-carotene, vitamin K, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B2 derivatives, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid, niacin, salicylic acid, lycopene, gardenia color, capsicum color, capsicum extract, paprika color, safflower color, turmeric color, cochineal color, perilla color, red cabbage color, flavonoid, carotenoid, quinoid, porphyrins, anthocyanins, and polyphenols; Red No. 401, Red No. 227, Red No. 504, Red No. 218, Orange No. 205P, Yellow No. 4, Yellow No. 5, Green No. 201, pyranine conc., Blue No. 1, 2,4-diaminophenoxyethanol hydrochloride, Alizuline Purple SS, Purple No. 401, Black No. 401, Helindon Pink, Yellow No. 401, Benzidine yellow G, Blue No. 404, Red No. 104, and meta-aminophenol. (6) A cosmetic comprising (A′) one or more substances selected from the group of: phycobiliproteins such as phycocyanin, phycoerythrocyanin, and phycoerythrin; natural or synthetic components such as vitamin A, n-carotene, vitamin K, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B2 derivatives, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid, niacin, salicylic acid, lycopene, gardenia color, capsicum color, capsicum extract, paprika color, safflower color, turmeric color, cochineal color, perilla color, red cabbage color, flavonoid, carotenoid, quinoid, porphyrins, anthocyanins, and polyphenols; Red No. 401, Red No. 227, Red No. 504, Red No. 218, Orange No. 205P, Yellow No. 4, Yellow No. 5, Green No. 201, pyranine conc., Blue No. 1, 2,4-diaminophenoxyethanol hydrochloride, Alizuline Purple SS, Purple No. 401, Black No. 401, Helindon Pink, Yellow No. 401, Benzidine yellow G, Blue No. 404, Red No. 104, meta-aminophenol, a zinc oxide phosphor, and a magnesium titanate phosphor, and (B) one or more water-soluble thickeners selected from the group of an alkyl-modified carboxyvinyl polymer, an associative thickener, xanthan gum, and a (meth)acrylic acid/alkyl (meth)acrylate/(meth)acrylic acid POE monoalkyl ether ester/ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate interpolymer. (7) The cosmetic according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the alkyl-modified carboxyvinyl polymer comprises an (acrylates/alkyl acrylate (C10-30)) crosspolymer. (8) The cosmetic according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the associative thickener comprises a hydrophobically modified polyether urethane. (9) The cosmetic according to (8), wherein the hydrophobically modified polyether urethane comprises a PEG-240/decyltetradeceth-20/HDI) copolymer. (10) The cosmetic according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the (meth)acrylic acid/alkyl (meth)acrylate/(meth)acrylic acid POE monoalkyl ether ester/ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate interpolymer comprises one or more selected from the group of an (acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate) copolymer, an (acrylates/steareth-25 methacrylate) copolymer, an (acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate) crosspolymer, and an (ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/beheneth-25 methacrylate) crosspolymer. (11) The cosmetic according to any one of (1) to (10), further comprising a polymerized phosphate. (12) The cosmetic according to (11), wherein the polymerized phosphate comprises sodium hexametaphosphate. (13) The cosmetic according to any one of (1) to (12), which is a lotion, a cosmetic cream, or a cosmetic emulsion. (14) The cosmetic according to any one of (1) to (13), which exhibits a fluorescence intensity increasing effect. (15) The cosmetic according to any one of (1) to (14), which exhibits a cell activation effect.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

The UV wavelength conversion substance of the present invention is suitable for effectively utilizing ultraviolet to activate skin cells. The constituent composition of the cosmetic of the present invention is suitable so that the UV wavelength conversion substance converts ultraviolet to visible light. Conventionally, since ultraviolet is not preferable for skin, it is a technical common knowledge in this field to take measures to avoid exposing skin to ultraviolet as much as possible. However, the present invention is based on the knowledge that conversely a UV wavelength conversion substance utilizes ultraviolet to activate cells and thereby provide a preferable action on skin, and is surprising. Thus, the cosmetic of the present invention may lead to an improvement in the quality of life, such that even those who have avoided ultraviolet as much as possible for a reason of beauty or health may feel like going out actively.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of Experiments 1 and 2.

FIG. 2 shows the cell activity at UV irradiation using each ultraviolet in Experiment 1. The vertical axis indicates relative fluorescence intensity (au).

FIG. 3 shows the cell activity at UV irradiation of each intensity using C-phycocyanin in each concentration in Experiment 2 as the relative fluorescence intensity (au).

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of Experiment 3.

FIG. 5 shows the cell activity when irradiating cells having cell activity temporarily reduced in Experiment 3 with UV using C-phycocyanin as relative fluorescence intensity (au) (P test).

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will be described below in detail with reference to specific embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and can be carried out in any embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

All of the patent publications, unexamined patent publications, and non-patent literature cited in the present disclosure are incorporated by reference in their entirety into the present disclosure for all purposes.

In the present disclosure, “to” when applied to numerical values refers to a range of values that fall within a range that is greater than or equal to a defined reference value and less than or equal to a defined reference value.

(A) UV Wavelength Conversion Substance

The cosmetic of the present invention contains a UV wavelength conversion substance as an active component. The phrase “UV wavelength conversion substance” refers to a substance which converts the wavelength of ultraviolet contained in incident light to outgoing light with a wavelength longer than the wavelength of ultraviolet. The phrase “organic UV wavelength conversion substance” refers to a UV wavelength conversion substance which is an organic compound, and the phrase “inorganic UV wavelength conversion substance” refers to a UV wavelength conversion substance which is an inorganic compound.

The ultraviolet may contain UVA, UVB, or UVC. In one embodiment, the ultraviolet is light having a peak wavelength of 200 nm to 400 nm. Further, incident light, for example, sunlight, may contain ultraviolet. Furthermore, the incident light may be ultraviolet or artificially generated ultraviolet may be used.

The outgoing light emitted from the UV wavelength conversion substance has a longer wavelength than ultraviolet and has a peak wavelength of preferably 500 nm to 700 nm. The outgoing light may have one or more peaks, for example, but not limited to, at 510 nm, 520 nm, 530 nm, 540 nm, 550 nm, 560 nm, 570 nm, 580 nm, 590 nm, 600 nm, 610 nm, 620 nm, 630 nm, 640 nm, 650 nm, 660 nm, 670 nm, 680 nm, 690 nm, 700 nm, or within any range therebetween or may be red light, orange light, green light, or blue light. In one embodiment, the main wavelength exhibited by the light emitted from the UV wavelength conversion substance when excited by 200 nm to 400 nm excitation light is 500 nm to 700 nm.

Examples of the UV wavelength conversion substance include the following components: phycobiliproteins such as phycocyanin (allophycocyanin, C-phycocyanin, R-phycocyanin), phycoerythrocyanin, and phycoerythrin (B-phycoerythrin, b-phycoerythrin, C-phycoerythrin, R-phycoerythrin); natural or synthetic components such as vitamin A, n-carotene, vitamin K, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid, niacin, salicylic acid, lycopene, capsicum extract, capsicum color, paprika color, gardenia color, safflower color, turmeric color, cochineal color, perilla color, red cabbage color, flavonoid, carotenoid, quinoid, porphyrins, anthocyanins, and polyphenols; colors such as Red No. 401, Red No. 227, Red No. 504, Red No. 218, Orange No. 205P, Yellow No. 4, Yellow No. 5, Green No. 201, pyranine conc., Blue No. 1, 2,4-diaminophenoxyethanol hydrochloride, Alizuline Purple SS, Purple No. 401, Black No. 401, Helindon Pink, Yellow No. 401, Benzidine yellow G, Blue No. 404, Red No. 104, and meta-aminophenol; phosphors of an inorganic compound doped to exhibit a fluorescence property, such as the blue phosphor containing an amorphous silica particle, cerium, and phosphorus and/or magnesium described in Japanese Registered Patent Publication No. 6424656, the red phosphor containing a europium-activated compound of a mixed crystal of an alkaline earth metal sulfide and a gallium compound described in Japanese Registered Patent Publication No. 6361416, the zinc oxide phosphor described in WO 2018/004006, the zinc oxide phosphor described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 2018-131422, the inorganic phosphor described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 5-117127 (hereinafter, a phosphor derived from zinc oxide is referred to as a “zinc oxide phosphor”). In one embodiment, the inorganic phosphor is one or more phosphors selected from phosphors of zinc oxide represented by ZnO:Zn, Zn_(1+z), or ZnO_(1-x), doped with a sulfide and/or a sulfate, such as zinc sulfide and zinc sulfate, described in WO 2018/004006, magnesium titanate phosphors of a magnesium titanate such as MgTiO₃ or Mg₂TiO₄ doped with manganese (hereinafter referred to as magnesium titanate is referred to as a “magnesium titanate phosphor”), and calcium phosphate phosphors of a calcium phosphate such as Ca(H₂PO₄)₂, CaHPO₄, or Ca₃(PO₄)₂ doped with cerium.

Further, the inorganic UV wavelength conversion substance which is an inorganic phosphor may be subjected to a surface treatment. Examples of the surface treatment include a silane compound treatment (octyltriethoxysilane), a silicone compound treatment, a fluorine-modified silicone compound treatment, a fluorine compound treatment, a higher fatty acid treatment (stearic acid), a higher alcohol treatment, a fatty acid ester treatment, a metal soap treatment, an amino acid treatment, and an alkyl phosphate treatment.

UV wavelength conversion substance may be obtained by a method of extraction from natural products such as animals, plants, and algae or an artificial method such as chemical synthesis. For example, phycobiliproteins may be prepared from blue-green algae such as Spirulina platensis, red algae such as Porphyridium cruentum, and other algae by the extraction method described in, for example, Japanese Registered Patent Publication No. 4048420, Japanese Registered Patent Publication No. 4677250, or Japanese Registered Patent Publication No. 3303942. Zinc oxide phosphors may be produced by the method described in, for example, WO 2018/004006, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 2018-131422, or Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 5-117127. Magnesium titanate phosphors may be produced by the method described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 2017-88719. Calcium phosphate phosphor may be produced by the method described in WO 2018/117117.

These UV wavelength conversion substances may consist of or contain these exemplified components, which may be used alone or in combination of two or more, as long as the wavelength conversion effect of the invention is not impaired. For example, to the phycobiliprotein or inorganic phosphor, there may be added another wavelength conversion substance such as vitamin B (vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, or vitamin B12) to aim for a synergistic effect. Note that these components are merely examples and any substance which can bring about a wavelength conversion effect can be used in the present invention.

Any derivative of vitamin B2, which is a UV wavelength conversion substance, may be used as long as the derivative is a UV wavelength conversion substance. Examples of the vitamin B2 derivatives include riboflavin acetate ester, riboflavin butyrate, riboflavin phosphate (may be a sodium or mono-diethanolamine salt), flavin mononucleotide, flavin adenine dinucleotide, riboflavin tetrabutyrate, and riboflavin tetranicotinate. Derivatives of lixoflavin, which is a stereoisomer of riboflavin, may be used.

The content of the UV wavelength conversion substance in the cosmetic of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as the wavelength conversion effect of the present invention is not impaired. The content can be appropriately determined in accordance with the type of the UV wavelength conversion substance or the application of the cosmetic containing the UV wavelength conversion substance. The range thereof is not limited and may be, for example, 0.01 to 99.99% by weight or 0.1% to 99.9% by weight.

As one aspect of the present invention, the UV wavelength conversion substance of the cosmetic contains a zinc oxide phosphor. In the cosmetic of the present invention, preferably, the content of a zinc oxide phosphor relative to the total of the cosmetic is 0.1% by weight or more, preferably 0.5% by mass or more, or more preferably 1.0% by weight or more, and 20% by weight or less, preferably 15% by weight or less, more preferably 10% by weight or less, or even more preferably 5% by weight or less. The content relative to the total of the cosmetic is 0.01 to 99.99% by weight, 0.1 to 99.9% by weight, 0.1 to 50% by weight, 0.1 to 40% by weight, 0.1 to 30% by weight, 0.1 to 20% by weight, 0.1 to 10% by weight, or 1 to 10% by weight.

As one aspect of the present invention, the UV wavelength conversion substance of the cosmetic contains a magnesium titanate phosphor. In the cosmetic of the present invention, preferably, the content of a magnesium titanate phosphor relative to the total of the cosmetic is 0.1% by weight or more, preferably 0.5% by mass or more, or more preferably 1.0% by weight or more, and 20% by weight or less, preferably 15% by weight or less, more preferably 10% by weight or less, or even more preferably 5% by weight or less. The content relative to the total of the cosmetic is 0.01 to 99.99% by weight, 0.1 to 99.9% by weight, 0.1 to 50% by weight, 0.1 to 40% by weight, 0.1 to 30% by weight, 0.1 to 20% by weight, 0.1 to 10% by weight, 0.5 to 10% by weight, or 1 to 10% by weight.

As one aspect of the present invention, the UV wavelength conversion substance of the cosmetic contains phycocyanin. In the cosmetic of the present invention, preferably, the content of a phycocyanin relative to the total of the cosmetic is 0.00001% by weight or more, preferably 0.0001% by mass or more, and 20% by weight or less, preferably 15% by weight or less, more preferably 10% by weight or less, or even more preferably 5% by weight or less. The content relative to the total of the cosmetic is 0.00001 to 99.99% by weight, 0.0001 to 99.9% by weight, 0.0001 to 50% by weight, 0.0001 to 40% by weight, 0.0001 to 30% by weight, 0.0001 to 20% by weight, 0.0001 to 10% by weight, 0.0001 to 5% by weight, 0.001 to 5% by weight, 0.01 to 5% by weight, 0.05 to 5% by weight, 0.1 to 5% by weight, 0.1 to 3% by weight, or 0.1 to 1% by weight.

As one aspect of the present invention, the UV wavelength conversion substance of the cosmetic contains vitamin B2. In the cosmetic of the present invention, preferably, the content of vitamin B2 relative to the total of the cosmetic is 0.00001% by weight or more, preferably 0.0001% by weight or more, and 20% by weight or less, preferably 15% by weight or less, more preferably 10% by weight or less, or even more preferably 5% by weight or less. The content relative to the total of the cosmetic is 0.00001 to 99.99% by weight, 0.0001 to 99.9% by weight, 0.0001 to 50% by weight, 0.0001 to 40% by weight, 0.0001 to 30% by weight, 0.0001 to 20% by weight, 0.0001 to 10% by weight, 0.0001 to 5% by weight, 0.001 to 5% by weight, 0.005 to 5% by weight, 0.01 to 5% by weight, 0.01 to 1% by weight, 0.01 to 0.5% by weight, or 0.01 to 0.1% by weight.

Examples of cell activation include, but are not limited to, promoting metabolism and turnover, improving a function, promoting proliferation, inhibiting oxidation, improving resistance to fatigue and external stimuli, and inhibiting loss of function and activity in cells, such as dermal fibroblasts and/or keratinocytes, of animals including humans. When skin cells are activated, effects such as prevention of or improvement from wrinkles, spots, skin aging, and photoaging can be expected. When scalp cells are activated, effects such as improvement in hair tension and elasticity, suppression of hair loss, and promotion of hair growth can be expected as well.

The cell activation effect may be measured by measuring, for example, the viability, reducing ability, or proliferation of living cells using AlamarBlue as in the Examples. Any method can be used such as another dye assay, mitochondrial membrane potential-dependent dye assay, intracellular cytochrome c assay, elastase cleavage dye assay, ATP, ADE assay, glycolytic flux and oxygen consumption assay, collagen assay, photoaging assay, collagen glycation assay, inflammatory substances (interleukin 1α, interleukin 8, tumor necrosis factor α) assay, skin barrier function-related protein (corneodesmosin, sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase, filaggrin, involucrin, loricrin, transglutaminase 1, caspase 14) assay, angiogenesis modulator (VEGF-A, ANGPT1) assay, oxidation and/or skin stress-related protein (aromatic hydrocarbon receptor repressor, cytochrome P4501B1, aromatic hydrocarbon receptor repressor, heme oxygenase 1) assay, or hyaluronic acid assay.

The cosmetic of the present invention is suitable for performing the function of a UV wavelength conversion substance and for alleviating, or more positively improving or restoring skin damage during and after ultraviolet irradiation by activating cells, and more specifically, is suitable for collagen production or hyaluronic acid production by fibroblasts and inhibition of damage caused by photoaging and for inhibiting oxidation stress of keratinocytes, enhancing a barrier function, suppressing an inflammatory reaction, and suppressing the glycation of collagen and angiogenesis in skin.

Fluorescence intensity can be measured using a spectrofluorometer by irradiating with ultraviolet a coating film of the cosmetic on the surface of a substrate, as in the Examples. The substrate may be a resin substrate composed of a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), nylon, or acrylic plate or an inorganic plate of glass or quartz. For example, a PMMA plate having V-shaped grooves on its surface (also refer to as “S plate”: Japanese Registered Patent Publication No. 4453995) can be used. As the fluorescence intensity, a fluorescence value at a specific single wavelength or an integrated value in a specific wavelength region may be used.

(B) Water-Soluble Thickener

The cosmetic of the present invention contains a water-soluble thickener. The phrase “water-soluble thickener” refers to an additive capable of, when dissolved in water (water phase), increasing the viscosity of a liquid in the water phase. Examples of the water-soluble thickener includes the following components:

alkyl-modified carboxyvinyl polymers such as an (acrylates/alkyl acrylate (C10-30)) cross polymer (for example, Pemulen), associative thickeners such as a modified polyether urethane (for example, a (PEG-240/decyltetradeceth-20/HDI) copolymer), xanthan gum, and (meth)acrylic acid/alkyl (meth)acrylate/(meth)acrylic acid POE monoalkyl ether/ammonium ester acryloyldimethyltaurate interpolymers such as an (acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate) copolymer.

The alkyl-modified carboxyvinyl polymer used in the cosmetic of the present invention may be neutralized by a neutralizing agent. Examples of the neutralizing agent include sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, triethanolamine, basic amino acids, ammonium hydroxide, (mono-, di-, tri-)ethanolamine, (mono-, di-, tri-)isopropanolamine, 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol, 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, 2-amino-2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol, monoethanolamine, monoisopropanolamine, and polyoxyethylene alkylamine.

The hydrophobically modified polyether urethane used in the cosmetic of the present invention is represented by, but not limited by, the following formula 1:

R_(i)—{(O—R_(ii))k-OCONH—R_(iii)[—NHCOO—(R_(iv)—O)p-R_(v)]h}q  Formula 1

where R_(i), R_(ii), and R_(iv) each independently represent a hydrocarbon group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, R_(iii) represents a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms which may have a urethane bond, R_(v) represents a hydrocarbon group having 8 to 36 carbon atoms, k is an integer of 1 to 500, p is an integer of 1 to 200, h is an integer of 1 or greater, and q is an integer of 2 or greater.

In formula 1, R_(i), R_(ii), and R_(iv) are each independently a hydrocarbon group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, and preferably an alkyl or alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms. R_(iii) represents a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms which may have a urethane bond. R_(v) represents a hydrocarbon group having 8 to 36, preferably 12 to 24, carbon atoms. k is an integer of 1 to 500, preferably an integer of 100 to 300. p is an integer of 1 to 200, preferably an integer of 10 to 100. h is an integer of 1 or greater, preferably 1. q is an integer of 2 or greater, preferably 2.

The hydrophobically modified polyether urethane represented by formula 1 can be obtained by, for example, reacting one or more polyether polyols represented by R_(i)—[(O—R_(ii))k-OH]q, one or more polyisocyanates represented by R_(iii)—(NCO)h+1, and one or more polyether monoalcohols represented by HO—(R_(iv)O)p-R_(v) (refer to Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 2019-137623), where R_(i), R_(ii), R_(iii), R_(iv), R_(v), k, p, h, and q are as defined above.

Preferred examples of the hydrophobically modified polyether urethane used in the cosmetic of the present invention include a polyethylene glycol-decyltetradeceth-hexamethylene diisocyanate copolymer. Particularly preferred examples thereof include a hydrophobically modified polyether urethane having the INCI name of “(PEG-240/decyltetradeceth-20/HDI) copolymer (PEG-240/HDI copolymer bisdecyltetradeceth-20 ether)”.

The (meth)acrylic acid/alkyl (meth)acrylate/(meth)acrylic acid POE monoalkyl ether ester/ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate interpolymers used in the cosmetic of the present invention is an interpolymer (copolymer or crosspolymer) of any of the monomers of (1) to (4) described below:

(1) acrylic acid or methacrylic acid, (2) alkyl acrylate or alkyl methacrylate, (3) an ester of polyoxyethylene monoalkyl ether and (1), and (4) ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate.

Examples of these interpolymers include, as listed in the INCI (International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary),

(acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate) interpolymer, (acrylates/steareth-25 methacrylate) interpolymer, (acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate) interpolymer, (ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/beheneth-25 methacrylate) interpolymer, (acrylate/ceteth-20 methacrylate) interpolymer, (acrylate/steareth-50 methacrylate) interpolymer, and (acrylate/beheneth-25 methacrylate) interpolymer, which are commercially available as aqueous dispersions (polymer emulsions) under trade names such as Aculyn 22 and Aculyn 28 (Rohm and Haas Company).

Since the function of the UV wavelength conversion substance is enhanced, the cosmetic of the present invention preferably contains one or more interpolymers selected from the group of an (acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate) copolymer, an (acrylates/steareth-25 methacrylate) copolymer, an (acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate) crosspolymer, and an (ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/beheneth-25 methacrylate) crosspolymer. One or more interpolymers selected from the above interpolymers can be used in the cosmetic of the present invention.

The above aqueous dispersion of the acrylic-based polymer is diluted with water, as needed, and is thickened by adding an alkaline agent to neutralize the dispersion. The alkaline agent for interpolymer neutralization is not particularly limited. An inorganic base such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide or an organic base such as triethanolamine, isopropanolamine, or a basic amino acid can used.

The content of the water-soluble thickener in the cosmetic of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as the wavelength conversion effect of the UV wavelength conversion substance of the present invention is not impaired. The content can be appropriately determined in accordance with the type of the water-soluble thickener or the application of the cosmetic containing the water-soluble thickener. The range thereof is not limited and may be, for example, 0.001 to 10% by weight, 0.01 to 10% by weight, 0.01 to 5% by weight, 0.01 to 1% by weight, 0.05 to 1% by weight, 0.01 to 10% by weight, or 0.5% to 10% by weight.

As one aspect of the present invention, the water-soluble thickener of the cosmetic contains an (acrylates/alkyl acrylate (C10-30)) crosspolymer. Preferably, the content of the (acrylates/alkyl acrylate (C10-30)) crosspolymer in the cosmetic of the present invention relative to the total of the cosmetic is 0.002% by weight or more, preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.02% by weight or more, or even more preferably 0.05% by weight or more, and 20% by weight or less, preferably 2% by weight or less, more preferably 1% by weight or less, or even more preferably 0.2% by weight or less. The content relative to the total of the cosmetic is 0.002 to 10% by weight, 0.01 to 2% by weight, 0.02 to 2% by weight, 0.02 to 1% by weight, 0.02 to 0.8% by weight, 0.02 to 0.6% by weight, 0.02 to 0.4% by weight, or 0.02 to 0.2% by weight.

As one aspect of the present invention, the water-soluble thickener of the cosmetic contains a PEG-240/decyltetradeceth-20/HDI) copolymer. The content of the PEG-240/decyltetradeceth-20/HDI) copolymer in the cosmetic of the present invention relative to the total of the cosmetic is 0.02% by weight or more, preferably 0.1% by mass or more, more preferably 0.2% by weight or more, or even more preferably 0.5% by weight or more, and 20% by weight or less, preferably 15% by weight or less, more preferably 10% by weight or less, or even more preferably 5% by weight or less. The content relative to the total of the cosmetic is 0.02 to 20% by weight, 0.1 to 20% by weight, 0.2 to 20% by weight, 0.2 to 10% by weight, 0.2 to 8% by weight, 0.2 to 6% by weight, 0.2 to 4% by weight, or 0.2 to 2% by weight.

As one aspect of the present invention, the water-soluble thickener of the cosmetic contains xanthan gum. Preferably, the content of the xanthan gum in the cosmetic relative to the total of the cosmetic is 0.001% by weight or more, preferably 0.005% by mass or more, more preferably 0.01% by weight or more, or even more preferably 0.02% by weight or more, and 10% by weight or less, preferably 1% by weight or less, more preferably 0.5% by weight or less, or even more preferably 0.1% by weight or less. The content relative to the total of the cosmetic is 0.001 to 5% by weight, 0.005 to 1% by weight, 0.01 to 1% by weight, 0.01 to 0.5% by weight, 0.01 to 0.4% by weight, 0.01 to 0.3% by weight, 0.01 to 0.2% by weight, or 0.01 to 0.1% by weight.

As one aspect of the present invention, the water-soluble thickener of the cosmetic contains an (acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate) copolymer. Preferably, the content of the (acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate) copolymer in the cosmetic of the present invention relative to the total of the cosmetic is 0.001% by weight or more, preferably 0.005% by mass or more, more preferably 0.01% by weight or more, or even more preferably 0.02% by weight or more, and 10% by weight or less, preferably 5% by weight or less, more preferably 3% by weight or less, or even more preferably 1% by weight or less. The content relative to the total of the cosmetic is 0.001 to 5% by weight, 0.005 to 5% by weight, 0.01 to 10% by weight, 0.01 to 5% by weight, 0.01 to 3% by weight, 0.01 to 2% by weight, 0.01 to 1% by weight, 0.5 to 5% by weight, 0.5 to 3% by weight, 0.5 to 2% by weight, 0.5 to 1% by weight, 0.6 to 5% by weight, 0.6 to 3% by weight, 0.6 to 2% by weight, or 0.6 to 1% by weight.

As one aspect of the present invention, the water-soluble thickener of the cosmetic contains one or a combination of two or more water-soluble thickeners selected from the group of an alkyl-modified carboxyvinyl polymer, an associative thickener, xanthan gum, and a (meth)acrylic acid/alkyl (meth)acrylate/(meth)acrylic acid POE monoalkyl ether ester/ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate interpolymer. As one aspect of the present invention, the water-soluble thickener contains, for example, an alkyl-modified carboxyvinyl polymer, as well as one or a combination of two or more water-soluble thickeners selected from the group of an associative thickener, xanthan gum, and a (meth)acrylic acid/alkyl (meth)acrylate/(meth)acrylic acid POE monoalkyl ether ester/ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate interpolymer; a combination of an associative thickener as well as xanthan gum and/or a (meth)acrylic acid/alkyl (meth)acrylate/(meth)acrylic acid POE monoalkyl ether ester/ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate interpolymer; or xanthan gum and/or a (meth)acrylic acid/alkyl (meth)acrylate/(meth)acrylic acid POE monoalkyl ether ester/ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate interpolymer.

As one aspect of the present invention, the water-soluble thickener of the cosmetic contains one or a combination of two or more water-soluble thickeners selected from the group of an (acrylates/alkyl acrylate (C10-30)) crosspolymer, a PEG-240/decyltetradeceth-20/HDI) copolymer, xanthan gum, an (acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate) copolymer, an (acrylates/steareth-25 methacrylate) copolymer, an (acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate) crosspolymer, and an (ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/beheneth-25 methacrylate) crosspolymer. As one aspect of the present invention, the water-soluble thickener contains, for example, an (acrylates/alkyl acrylate (C10-30)) crosspolymer, as well as one or a combination of two or more water-soluble thickeners selected from the group of a PEG-240/decyltetradeceth-20/HDI) copolymer, xanthan gum, an (acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate) copolymer, an (acrylates/steareth-25 methacrylate) copolymer, an (acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate) crosspolymer, and an (ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/beheneth-25 methacrylate) crosspolymer; a PEG-240/decyltetradeceth-20/HDI) copolymer, as well as one or a combination of two or more water-soluble thickeners selected from the group of xanthan gum, an (acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate) copolymer, an (acrylates/steareth-25 methacrylate) copolymer, an (acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate) crosspolymer, and an (ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/beheneth-25 methacrylate) crosspolymer; xanthan gum, as well as one or a combination of two or more water-soluble thickeners selected from the group of an (acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate) copolymer, an (acrylates/steareth-25 methacrylate) copolymer, an (acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate) crosspolymer, and an (ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/beheneth-25 methacrylate) crosspolymer; an (acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate) copolymer, as well as one or a combination of two or more water-soluble thickeners selected from the group of an (acrylates/steareth-25 methacrylate) copolymer, an (acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate) crosspolymer, and an (ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/beheneth-25 methacrylate) crosspolymer; a combination of an (acrylates/steareth-25 methacrylate) copolymer as well as an (acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate) crosspolymer and/or an (ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/beheneth-25 methacrylate) crosspolymer; or an (acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate) crosspolymer and/or an (ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/beheneth-25 methacrylate) crosspolymer.

As one aspect of the present invention, the cosmetic may contain a polymerized phosphate.

Examples of the polymerized phosphate include sodium pyrophosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate, and sodium hexametaphosphate.

As one aspect of the present invention, the polymerized phosphate of the cosmetic contains sodium hexametaphosphate. Preferably, the content of the sodium hexametaphosphate in the cosmetic of the present invention relative to the total of the cosmetic is 0.001% by weight or more, preferably 0.005% by mass or more, more preferably 0.01% by weight or more, or even more preferably 0.02% by weight or more, and 10% by weight or less, preferably 1% by weight or less, more preferably 0.5% by weight or less, or even more preferably 0.1% by weight or less. The content relative to the total of the cosmetic is 0.001 to 5% by weight, 0.005 to 1% by weight, 0.01 to 1% by weight, 0.01 to 0.5% by weight, 0.01 to 0.4% by weight, 0.01 to 0.3% by weight, 0.01 to 0.2% by weight, or 0.01 to 0.1% by weight.

As one aspect of the present invention, the cosmetic contains a polymerized phosphate and one or more water-soluble thickeners selected from the group of an alkyl-modified carboxyvinyl polymer, an associative thickener, xanthan gum, and a (meth)acrylic acid/alkyl (meth)acrylate/(meth)acrylic acid POE monoalkyl ether ester/ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate interpolymer.

As one aspect of the present invention, the cosmetic contains sodium hexametaphosphate and one or more water-soluble thickeners selected from the group of an (acrylates/alkyl acrylate (C10-30)) crosspolymer, a PEG-240/decyltetradeceth-20/HDI) copolymer, xanthan gum, and an (acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate) copolymer. As one aspect of the present invention, for example, sodium hexametaphosphate and one or more water-soluble thickeners selected from the group of an (acrylates/alkyl acrylate (C10-30)) crosspolymer, a PEG-240/decyltetradeceth-20/HDI) copolymer, xanthan gum, an (acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate) copolymer, an (acrylates/steareth-25 methacrylate) copolymer, an (acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate) crosspolymer, and an (ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/beheneth-25 methacrylate) crosspolymer are contained.

One aspect of the cosmetic of the present invention is a cosmetic containing

(A′) one or more substances selected from the group of phycobiliproteins such as phycocyanin, phycoerythrocyanin, and phycoerythrin; natural or synthetic components such as vitamin A, (3-carotene, vitamin K, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B2 derivatives, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid, niacin, salicylic acid, lycopene, gardenia color, capsicum color, capsicum extract, paprika color, safflower color, turmeric color, cochineal color, perilla color, red cabbage color, flavonoid, carotenoid, quinoid, porphyrins, anthocyanins, and polyphenols; Red No. 401, Red No. 227, Red No. 504, Red No. 218, Orange No. 205P, Yellow No. 4, Yellow No. 5, Green No. 201, pyranine conc., Blue No. 1, 2,4-diaminophenoxyethanol hydrochloride, Alizuline Purple SS, Purple No. 401, Black No. 401, Helindon Pink, Yellow No. 401, Benzidine yellow G, Blue No. 404, Red No. 104, meta-aminophenol, a zinc oxide phosphor, and a magnesium titanate phosphor, and (B) one or more water-soluble thickeners selected from the group of an alkyl-modified carboxyvinyl polymer, an associative thickener, xanthan gum, and a (meth)acrylic acid/alkyl (meth)acrylate/(meth)acrylic acid POE monoalkyl ether ester/ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate interpolymer.

One aspect of the cosmetic of the present invention is a cosmetic containing (A′) one or more substances selected from the group of phycocyanin, phycoerythrocyanin, phycoerythrin; vitamin A, β-carotene, vitamin K, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B2 derivatives, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid, niacin, salicylic acid, lycopene, gardenia color, capsicum color, capsicum extract, paprika color, safflower color, turmeric color, cochineal color, perilla color, red cabbage color, flavonoid, carotenoid, quinoid, porphyrins, anthocyanins, polyphenols; Red No. 401, Red No. 227, Red No. 504, Red No. 218, Orange No. 205P, Yellow No. 4, Yellow No. 5, Green No. 201, pyranine conc., Blue No. 1, 2,4-diaminophenoxyethanol hydrochloride, Alizuline Purple SS, Purple No. 401, Black No. 401, Helindon Pink, Yellow No. 401, Benzidine yellow G, Blue No. 404, Red No. 104, and meta-aminophenol, and

(B) one or more water-soluble thickeners selected from the group of an alkyl-modified carboxyvinyl polymer, an associative thickener, xanthan gum, and a (meth)acrylic acid/alkyl (meth)acrylate/(meth)acrylic acid POE monoalkyl ether ester/ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate interpolymer.

One aspect of the cosmetic of the present invention is a cosmetic containing (A′) one or more substances selected from the group of allophycocyanin, C-phycocyanin, R-phycocyanin, phycoerythrocyanin, B-phycoerythrin, b-phycoerythrin, C-phycoerythrin, R-phycoerythrin; vitamin A, β-carotene, vitamin K, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B2 derivatives, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid, niacin, salicylic acid, lycopene, gardenia color, capsicum color, capsicum extract, paprika color, safflower color, turmeric color, cochineal color, perilla color, red cabbage color, flavonoid, carotenoid, quinoid, porphyrins, anthocyanins, polyphenols; Red No. 401, Red No. 227, Red No. 504, Red No. 218, Orange No. 205P, Yellow No. 4, Yellow No. 5, Green No. 201, pyranine conc., Blue No. 1, 2,4-diaminophenoxyethanol hydrochloride, Alizuline Purple SS, Purple No. 401, Black No. 401, Helindon Pink, Yellow No. 401, Benzidine yellow G, Blue No. 404, Red No. 104, and meta-aminophenol, and

(B) one or more water-soluble thickeners selected from the group of an (acrylates/alkyl acrylate (C10-30)) crosspolymer, a PEG-240/decyltetradeceth-20/HDI) copolymer, xanthan gum, an (acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate) copolymer, an (acrylates/steareth-25 methacrylate) copolymer, an (acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate) crosspolymer, and an (ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/beheneth-25 methacrylate) crosspolymer.

Oil Content

The cosmetic of the present invention may contain an oil content. The phrase “oil content” refers to a hydrophobic substance that phase-separates from water, which is a component of the cosmetic of the present invention. The oil content that can be used in the present invention is not particularly limited and contains one or more of, for example, hydrocarbon oils, ester oils, silicone oils, liquid oils, solid fats, and higher alcohols.

Examples of the hydrocarbon oils include liquid paraffin, tetraisobutane, hydrogenated polydecene, olefin oligomer, isododecane, isohexadecane, squalane, and hydrogenated polyisobutene.

Examples of the ester oils include diisopropyl sebacate (Ecellent 200 manufactured by Nippon Fine Chemical Co., Ltd.), octyl palmitate, cetyl isooctanoate (cetyl 2-ethylhexanoate), triethylhexanoin, neopentyl glycol dicaprate, triisostearin, diisostearyl malate, PPG-3 dipivalate, di-2-ethylhexyl succinate, 2-ethylhexyl 2-ethylhexanoate, polyglyceryl-6 octacaprylate, and glyceryl tri(caprylate/caprate).

Examples of the silicone oils include caprylyl methicone (SS-3408 manufactured by Dow Chemical Company), dimethicone (BELSIL DM 1 Plus manufactured by Asahi Kasei Wacker Silicone Co., Ltd.), amino-modified polysiloxane, polyether-modified polysiloxane, alkyl-modified polysiloxane, and fluorine-modified polysiloxane.

Examples of the liquid oils include avocado oil, camellia oil, macadamia nut oil, mink oil, olive oil, castor oil, jojoba oil, triglycerol, glycerol trioctanoate, and isostearic acid.

Examples of the solid fats include coconut oil, hardened coconut oil, palm oil, beef tallow, mutton tallow, Japan wax, and hardened castor oil.

Examples of the higher alcohols include isostearyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, and an interpolymer of butylene glycol and propylene glycol (for example, PBG/PPG-9/1 copolymer (UNIOL PB-700 manufactured by NOF Corporation)).

(Other Components)

Various components can be appropriately blended in the cosmetic of the present invention as long as the effect of the present invention is not impaired. Examples of the various components include additive components that can be blended generally in cosmetics, such as clay minerals (dimethyldistearylammonium hectorite), powders (polymethyl methacrylate, crosslinked silicone/network-type silicone block interpolymer, silica, hydrophobized talc, cornstarch, hydrophobized polyurethane), chelating agents (disodium edetate hydrate), fragrances, moisturizing agents (glycerin, dipropylene glycol), preservatives, oil-phase solidifiers (sucrose tetrastearate triacetate, dextrin palmitate, palmitic acid, glyceryl (behenate/eicosanedioate), N-lauroyl-L-glutamic acid dibutylamide, polyamide-8), anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, nonionic surfactants, moisturizing agents, water-soluble polymers, silicone-modified polysaccharides, other film-forming agents, metal ion sequestering agents, lower alcohols, polyhydric alcohols, various extracts, sugars, amino acids, organic amines, polymer emulsions, pH adjusters, skin nutrients, vitamins, pharmaceuticals, quasi-drugs, water-soluble drugs applicable to cosmetics, antioxidants, buffering agents, antioxidant aids, injection agents, organic powders, pigments, dyes, colors, water, acid components, and alkaline components. These optional components can be appropriately blended in an oil phase or a water phase. Further, another cell activating agent may be contained or co-used to enhance the effect of the present invention.

The cosmetic of present invention can be produced by a conventional method.

Specifically, the cosmetic of the present embodiment is obtained in accordance with the following procedure: Component (A) or (A′) and component (B) are stirred with water, and other components are added as appropriate and stirred to thereby obtain a cosmetic.

The formulation form of the cosmetic of the present invention may be a lotion, a cream, or an emulsion. The cosmetic of the present invention can be applied to skin including the scalp. In the cosmetic of the present invention, effects such as prevention of or improvement from wrinkles, spots, skin aging, and photoaging, as well as improvement in hair tension and elasticity, suppression of hair loss, and promotion of hair growth, by the activation of skin cells can be expected.

EXAMPLES

The present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the following Examples. Note that the present invention is not limited thereto.

Example 1 Experiment 1: Cell Activation Effects of Various UV Wavelength Conversion Substances Experiment 1-1: Preparation of UV Wavelength Conversion Substance

A UV wavelength conversion substance was prepared as follows:

(1) B-phycoerythrin

B-phycoerythrin was obtained from Porphyridium cruentum extract. The absorption spectrum thereof had a peak wavelength of 305 nm, and the emission spectrum thereof had peak wavelengths of 570 nm and 610 nm.

(2) C-phycocyanin

C-phycocyanin was obtained from Spirulina platensis extract. The absorption spectrum thereof had a peak wavelength of 350 nm, and the emission spectrum thereof had peak wavelengths of 640 nm and 700 nm. Linablue by DIC Corp. was used.

(3) Zinc Oxide Phosphor

Lumate G by Sakai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. was used. Lumate G is a zinc oxide phosphor of ZnO doped with a sulfur-containing compound, as described in WO 2018/004006. The absorption spectrum thereof had a peak wavelength of 365 nm, and the emission spectrum thereof had a peak wavelength of 510 nm.

(4) Magnesium Titanate Phosphor

Lumate R by Sakai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. was used. Lumate R is a magnesium titanate phosphor of MgTiO₃ doped with manganese. The absorption spectrum thereof had a peak wavelength of 365 nm, and the emission spectrum thereof had a peak wavelength within a zone of 660 to 680 nm.

The UV wavelength conversion substances (1) and (2) were dissolved in water to prepare solutions having a concentration of 1% or 5%.

The UV wavelength conversion substances (3) and (4) were dispersed in alcohol to prepare 5% and 10% dispersions.

Experiment 1-2: Preparation of Cell Sample

A cell sample was prepared as follows:

1. Human dermal fibroblasts and human skin keratinocytes purchased from Kurabo Industries Ltd. were used. A cell suspension (1 mL) stored in liquid nitrogen was thawed in a water bath (37° C.) to an extent that small ice pellets remained, and then diluted with 9 mL of warm medium. 2. The diluted suspension was mixed gently and then transferred to a T75 flask and incubated overnight at 37° C. 3. The next day, the medium was replaced with 10 mL of fresh medium. 4. The medium was replaced periodically (once every 2 days for fibroblasts and once every 2 to 3 days for keratinocytes) and cell proliferation was continued. Meanwhile, the cells were observed using a microscope, and it was confirmed that the cells grew in the correct form. 5. After the cells reached about 80% confluence, the cells were passaged. The cells were passaged by washing the cells once with 10 mL of warm PBS, adding 5 mL of warm trypsin to a T75 flask, covering the bottom of the flask with a trypsin solution, followed by aspirating at room temperature for 1 minute. 6. The flask was allowed to stand in an oven at 37° C. for (maximum) 2 minutes for fibroblasts and (maximum) 7 minutes for keratinocytes. The cells were observed using a microscope and confirmed to be small and oval. 7. Thereafter, the side of the T75 flask was lightly tapped to release the cells. The cells were observed using a microscope and confirmed to be moving freely. 8. Fibroblasts were resuspended in 5 mL warm FGM (containing 10% serum) and transferred to a sterile 50 mL Falcon tube. An additional 5 mL of warm FGM was used to flush the flask and added to the Falcon tube to ensure transfer of all cells. 9. The cells were centrifuged at 10,000 rpm for 5 minutes (4° C.) and the supernatant was removed taking care not to disturb the pellet of cells. 10. Depending on the cell type, fibroblasts were resuspended in FGM or KGM at a concentration of 2×10⁴ cells/well (500μ L), and keratinocytes were resuspended in FGM or KGM at a concentration of 4×10⁴ cells/well (500μ L) and plated 24-well plates. 11. Cells were seeded in 24-well plates and the media were changed periodically (once every 2 days for fibroblasts and once every 2 to 3 days for keratinocytes) and the cells were grown until 60 to 70% confluence (depending on the type of experiment) was reached. (Note: Fibroblasts should reach the desired confluency in 24 hours at a cell density of 2×10⁴ cells/well. When the cell density is low, for example, 1×10⁴ cells/well, it takes 48 hours for fibroblasts to reach the desired confluency.) 12. 24 hours before irradiation, the medium was changed to a supplement-free medium (in the case of keratinocytes) or a medium containing a low concentration of serum (0.5% FCS) (in the case of fibroblasts).

Experiment 1-3: Ultraviolet Irradiation

1. A solar simulator was turned on at least 30 minutes before irradiation to warm up a lamp. The solar simulator was set to use a UG11 filter. UG11 filters are filters that allow only UVB to pass and cut light of other wavelengths. The UV light passed through the UG11 filter had a peak wavelength of 300 nm to 385 nm. 2. A temperature control plate was turned on and set to 33° C. 3. The cells prepared in Experiment 1-2 were washed once with warm PBS. 4. To each well was added 0.5 mL of a warmed Martinez solution (145 mM NaCl, 5.5 mM KCl, 1.2 mM MgCl₂.6H₂O, 1.2 mM NaH₂PO₄.2H₂O, 7.5 mM HEPES, 1 mM CaCl₂, and 10 mM D-glucose). 5. As depicted in FIG. 1, cell wells were placed on a plate. Then, 0.4 ml of a solution containing the UV wavelength conversion substances (1) to (4) prepared in Experiment 1-1 was injected into each well of a 24-well plate. The wells containing cells were placed to be covered, such that the cell solution was irradiated with UV light through the solution of the UV wavelength conversion substances without direct contact between the UV wavelength conversion substance solution and the cell solution. 6. Irradiation was carried out to a total dose of 100 mJ/cm². Further, as controls, there were prepared a sample of cells irradiated directly with UV light without placing a plate of a UV wavelength conversion substance on cell wells and a sample of cells cultured in the dark without irradiation with UV light. 7. After irradiation, the Martinez was replaced with warm KGM (without supplements) or FGM (containing 0.5% FCS) and the plate was returned to the incubator at 37° C.

Experiment 1-4: Measurement of Cell Activity

After the completion of Experiment 1-3, the cells maintained in the incubator for 48 hours were used to measure the activity by the following method:

1. A medium (KGM medium without supplements or 0.5% FCS-containing FGM medium) was supplemented with 10% AlamarBlue and warmed to 37° C. (the solution was maintained in the dark). 2. The medium in the wells was replaced with 500 μL of the above 10% AlamarBlue solution, and the plate was returned to the incubator at 37° C. for about 3 hours. Control wells were also maintained in the incubator. These solutions were maintained in the dark to protect them from light. 3. After 3 hours, 100 μL aliquots were collected and transferred to a black 96-well plate. 4. Fluorescence measurement values at 544 nm/590 nm were read using a fluorometer (OPwave +, Ocean Photonics).

The results are shown in FIG. 2. UV irradiation reduced cell activity compared to the control without irradiation. However, the activity of cells irradiated with UV through any UV wavelength conversion substance was increased compared to the control without irradiation. From the above results, it was found that although the cell activity was decreased by UV irradiation, the decrease in cell activity is suppressed using a UV wavelength conversion substance.

Example 2: Influence of Concentration of UV Wavelength Conversion Substance or Intensity of UV on Cell Activity

The same method as in Experiment 1 was employed except that C-phycocyanin was used as the UV wavelength conversion substance, a cell culture was covered with a plate of a solution containing C-phycocyanin at 0%, 0.4%, or 2%, and irradiated with UV at a dose of 0, 10, 25, 50, 75, or 100 mJ/cm².

The results are shown in FIG. 3. When the UV wavelength conversion substance was not used, the cell activity decreased as the UV irradiation amount increased. However, when 0.4% C-phycocyanin was added, the decrease in cell activity was suppressed even when UV irradiation was carried out, and when 2% C-phycocyanin was added, the cell activity was even increased compared to the case where UV irradiation was not carried out. From the above results, it was found that although the cell activity was decreased by UV irradiation, the use of a UV wavelength conversion substance not only suppressed the decrease in cell activity in a concentration-dependent manner, but also enhanced the cell activity.

Example 3: Restoration of Cell Activity Decreased by UV Irradiation

The same method as in Experiment 1 was employed except that as shown in FIG. 4, UV irradiation was carried out without using a UV wavelength conversion substance until the irradiation amount reached 400 mJ/cm² to once decrease the cell activity, and a cell culture was covered with a plate of a solution containing C-phycocyanin as the UV wavelength conversion substance at 0%, 0.4%, or 2%, and irradiated with UV at a dose of 0, 10, 25, 50, 75, 100, or 200 mJ/cm².

The results are shown in FIG. 5. It can be seen that cell activity was recovered by subjecting even cells having once decreased activity by UV irradiation without using a UV wavelength conversion substance to UV irradiation using a UV wavelength conversion substance. This effect of C-phycocyanin was equivalent at concentrations of 0.4% and 2%, suggesting a sufficient cell activation effect at 0.4%. On the other hand, when UV irradiation was carried out without using a UV wavelength conversion substance, the cell activity decreased in a UV dose-dependent manner.

The results for human dermal fibroblasts are described above. Similar results were also observed for keratinocytes (data not shown). From these results, it was found that a UV wavelength conversion substance not only suppressed a decrease in cell activity due to UV irradiation, but also has an effect of activating cells using UV light. When skin cells are activated, prevention of and improvement from wrinkles, spots, skin aging, photoaging, etc. are expected.

From Examples 1 to 3 above, it was considered that a UV wavelength conversion substance converts the wavelength of ultraviolet, and emitted visible light (fluorescence having a main wavelength of 500 nm to 700 nm) activates skin cells such as fibroblasts and corneocytes. Thus, various cosmetics containing a UV wavelength conversion substance were produced, and the amount of fluorescence emitted during ultraviolet irradiation was evaluated.

For fluorescence measurement, the cosmetic was applied to an S plate (refer to Japanese Registered Patent Publication No. 4453995) at 1 mg/cm² and dried to prepare a coating film of the cosmetic. The obtained coating film was irradiated with ultraviolet having a predetermined wavelength, and a fluorescence integrated value in a predetermined wavelength region was measured using a fluorescence spectrophotometer RF-5300PC (Shimadzu Corporation). When the UV wavelength conversion substance was a zinc oxide phosphor, a coating film was irradiated with ultraviolet at 365 nm, and the fluorescence integrated value of 400 to 600 nm was measured in the same manner. When the UV wavelength conversion substance was C-phycocyanin, a coating film was irradiated with ultraviolet light at 350 nm, and fluorescence integrated values at 550 to 800 nm were measured in the same manner. When the UV wavelength conversion substance was vitamin B2, a coating film was irradiated with ultraviolet at 270 nm, and the fluorescence integrated value at 400 to 750 nm was measured in the same manner.

Example 4: Effect of Water-Soluble Thickener on UV Wavelength Conversion Function (Zinc Oxide Phosphor)

Cosmetics (Formulation Examples G0 to G8) shown in Table 1 were produced according to a conventional production process. Formulation G0 (Comparative Example) did not contain a water-soluble thickener. Formulations G1 to G8 contained various water-soluble thickeners. Pemulen TR-2 neutralized with potassium hydroxide was used as the (acrylates/alkyl acrylate (C10-30)) crosspolymer, and Aculyn 22 was used as the (acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate) copolymer. All Formulation Examples contained a zinc oxide phosphor as the UV wavelength conversion substance. Coating films of the obtained cosmetics were irradiated with ultraviolet at 365 nm, and fluorescence integrated values at wavelengths of 400 to 600 nm were measured.

When the fluorescence integrated value of the Comparative Example was set as 100%, the fluorescence integrated values of Formulation Examples G1 to G8 were 114, 178, 199, 124, 152, 141, 210, and 171%, respectively. The wavelength conversion function of the zinc oxide phosphor was enhanced by adding the water-soluble thickener. It was also found that the wavelength conversion function was further increased by adding sodium hexametaphosphate to (acrylates/alkyl acrylate (C10-30)) crosspolymer, PEG-240/decyltetradeceth-20/HDI) copolymer, or (acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate) copolymer.

TABLE 1 Formu- Formu- Formu- Formu- Formu- Formu- Formu- Formu- Formu- lation lation lation lation lation lation lation lation lation Formulation Example Example Example Example Example Example Example Example Example composition G0 G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6 G7 G8 Water ion-exchanged water Total amount of 100 with water Phosphor zinc oxide phosphor 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Water-soluble (acrylates/ 0.1 0.1 thickener alkyl acrylate (C10-30)) crosspolymer PEG-240/ 1 1 decyltetradeceth- 20/HDI) copolymer xanthan gum 0.05 (acrylates/ 0.6 0.6 steareth-20 methacrylate) copolymer Polymerized sodium hexa- 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 phosphate metaphosphate Alcohol ethanol 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Moisturizing glycerin 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 agent dipropylene glycol 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 pH adjuster citric acid q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. sodium citrate q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. Chelating agent disodium edetate q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. Preservative phenoxyethanol q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. Fluorescence 100 114 178 199 124 152 141 210 171 integrated value (%)

Example 5: Effect of Water-Soluble Thickener on UV Wavelength Conversion Function (Phycocyanin)

Cosmetics (Formulation Examples P0 to P8) shown in Table 2 were produced according to a conventional production process. Formulation P0 (Comparative Example) did not contain a water-soluble thickener. Formulations P1 to P8 contained various water-soluble thickeners. Pemulen TR-2 neutralized with potassium hydroxide was used as the (acrylates/alkyl acrylate (C10-30)) crosspolymer, and Aculyn 22 was used as the (acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate) copolymer. All Formulation Examples contained C-phycocyanin as the UV wavelength conversion substance. Coating films of the obtained cosmetics were irradiated with ultraviolet at 350 nm, and fluorescence integrated values at wavelengths of 550 to 800 nm were measured.

When the fluorescence integrated value of the Comparative Example was set as 100%, the fluorescence integrated values of Formulation Examples P1 to P8 were 109, 119, 126, 125, 135, 161, 226, and 119%, respectively. The wavelength conversion function of the zinc oxide phosphor was enhanced by adding the water-soluble thickener. It was also found that the wavelength conversion function was further increased by adding sodium hexametaphosphate to (acrylates/alkyl acrylate (C10-30)) crosspolymer, PEG-240/decyltetradeceth-20/HDI) copolymer, or (acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate) copolymer.

TABLE 2 Formu- Formu- Formu- Formu- Formu- Formu- Formu- Formu- Formu- lation lation lation lation lation lation lation lation lation Formulation Example Example Example Example Example Example Example Example Example composition P0 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 P8 Water ion-exchanged water Total amount of 100 with water Phosphor C-phycocyanin 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 Water-soluble (acrylates/ 0.1 0.1 thickener alkyl acrylate (C10-30)) crosspolymer PEG-240/ 1 1 decyltetradeceth20/ HDI) copolymer xanthan gum 0.05 (acrylates/ 0.6 0.6 steareth-20 methacrylate) copolymer Polymerized sodium hexa- 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 phosphate metaphosphate Alcohol ethanol 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Moisturizing agent glycerin 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 dipropylene glycol 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 pH adjuster citric acid q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. sodium citrate q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. Chelating agent disodium edetate q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. Preservative phenoxyethanol q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. Fluorescence 100 109 119 126 125 135 161 226 119 integrated value (%)

Example 6: Effect of Water-Soluble Thickener on UV Wavelength Conversion Function (Vitamin B2)

Cosmetics (Formulation Examples V0 to V8) shown in Table 3 were produced according to a conventional production process. Formulation V0 (Comparative Example) did not contain a water-soluble thickener. Formulations V1 to V8 contained various water-soluble thickeners. Pemulen TR-2 neutralized with potassium hydroxide was used as the (acrylates/alkyl acrylate (C10-30)) crosspolymer, and Aculyn 22 was used as the (acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate) copolymer. All Formulation Examples contained a zinc oxide phosphor (riboflavin) as the UV wavelength conversion substance. Coating films of the obtained cosmetics were irradiated with ultraviolet at 270 nm, and fluorescence integrated values at wavelengths of 400 to 750 nm were measured.

When the fluorescence integrated value of the Comparative Example was set as 100%, the fluorescence integrated values of Formulation Examples G1 to G8 were 121, 152, 174, 130, 162, 151, 175, and 143%, respectively. The wavelength conversion function of the zinc oxide phosphor was enhanced by adding the water-soluble thickener. It was also found that the wavelength conversion function was further increased by adding sodium hexametaphosphate to (acrylates/alkyl acrylate (C10-30)) crosspolymer, PEG-240/decyltetradeceth-20/HDI) copolymer, or (acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate) copolymer.

TABLE 3 Formu- Formu- Formu- Formu- Formu- Formu- Formu- Formu- Formu- lation lation lation lation lation lation lation lation lation Formulation Example Example Example Example Example Example Example Example Example composition V0 V1 V2 V3 V4 V5 V6 V7 V8 Water ion-exchanged water Total amount of 100 with water Phosphor riboflavin 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 Water-soluble (acrylates/ 0.1 0.1 thickener alkyl acrylate (C10-30)) crosspolymer PEG-240/ 1 1 decyltetradeceth20/ HDI) copolymer xanthan gum 0.05 (acrylates/ 0.6 0.6 steareth-20 methacrylate) copolymer Polymerized sodium hexa- 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 phosphate metaphosphate Alcohol ethanol 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Moisturizing glycerin 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 agent dipropylene glycol 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 pH adjuster citric acid q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. sodium citrate q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. Chelating agent disodium edetate q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. Preservative phenoxyethanol q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. Fluorescence 100 121 152 174 130 162 151 175 143 integrated value (%)

Example 7: Effect on Cytochrome c Content of Water-Soluble Thickener

From the AlamarBlue assays in Examples 1 to 3, it was found that wavelength-converted visible light enhanced the reducing ability by electron acceptance from the mitochondrial respiratory chain in cells. Cytochrome c is a molecule involved in the electron transport system of mitochondria, and plays an important function in the production of NDH molecules, which are a reducing agent. Thus, whether the cosmetic of the present invention influences the intracellular concentration of cytochrome c in cells was investigated.

The cosmetic of the present invention was applied and dispensed at 0.25 g/well to a 24-well plate and dried. Human skin-derived fibroblasts (ScienCell Research Lab. #2320) were seeded on a 24-well plate at 1×10⁵ cells/well and cultured in a DMEM medium (Thermo Fisher, #11965-092) for 3 days. After washing the cells with PBS, 1 mL of PBS was added. The 24-well plate containing the dried cosmetic was placed on a 24-well plate containing cells, and irradiated with artificial sunlight (Selic Corporation, XC-500BF) at a maximum output power for 40 minutes at a distance of about 70 cm apart. All the cell plates were placed on a heat storage material at 20° C. to prevent temperature rise. After the irradiation time elapsed, the PBS was removed, 0.3 mL of a cell-extract solution (RIPA buffer: 50 mM Tris-HCl (pH 8.0), 150 mM NaCl, 0.5% (w/v) Sodium Deoxycholate, 0.1% (w/v) SDS, 1.0% (w/v) NP-40 substitute, and 1 mM PMSF) was added, and the cells were completely lysed by pipetting. The lysate was centrifuged at 10,000×g for 10 minutes at 4° C., and cytochrome c in the supernatant was measured (Proteintech Group, Inc., KE00079).

There was no effect on the appearance of the cells before and after sunlight irradiation for any of the Formulation Examples. The cytochrome c content of cells irradiated with sunlight through the cosmetic of Comparative Example G0 was 3939 pg/mL. The cytochrome c content of cells irradiated with sunlight through the cosmetic with sodium hexametaphosphate, PEG-240/decyltetradeceth-20/HDI) copolymer, or (acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate) copolymer added thereto was increased, at 3986 pg/mL (Formulation Example G4) and 4601 pg/mL (Formulation Example G6) respectively. Moreover, it was found that the intracellular cytochrome c contents when cells were irradiated with sunlight through the cosmetics of Formulation Example 5 and Formulation Example 7, in which sodium hexametaphosphate was used in combination were 4861 pg/mL and 6425 pg/mL, respectively, and were increased significantly from the intracellular cytochrome c content (4200 pg/mL (Formulation Example 1)) with only sodium hexametaphosphate.

From the above results, it was considered that the investigated water-soluble thickener increases the function of the UV wavelength conversion substance and activates cells by increasing the concentration of cytochrome c in cells and increasing the activity of mitochondria.

The cosmetic of the present invention is described above. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. 

1. A cosmetic comprising: (A) a UV wavelength conversion substance and (B) one or more water-soluble thickeners selected from the group of an alkyl-modified carboxyvinyl polymer, an associative thickener, xanthan gum, and a (meth)acrylic acid/alkyl (meth)acrylate/(meth)acrylic acid POE monoalkyl ether ester/ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate interpolymer.
 2. The cosmetic according to claim 1, wherein the (A) UV wavelength conversion substance comprises an inorganic UV wavelength conversion substance.
 3. The cosmetic according to claim 2, wherein the inorganic UV wavelength conversion substance comprises a zinc oxide phosphor and/or a magnesium titanate phosphor.
 4. The cosmetic according to claim 1, wherein the (A) UV wavelength conversion substance comprises an organic UV wavelength conversion substance.
 5. The cosmetic according to claim 4, wherein the organic UV wavelength conversion substance comprises one or more selected from the group of: phycobiliproteins such as phycocyanin, phycoerythrocyanin, and phycoerythrin; natural or synthetic components such as vitamin A, β-carotene, vitamin K, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B2 derivatives, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid, niacin, salicylic acid, lycopene, gardenia color, capsicum color, capsicum extract, paprika color, safflower color, turmeric color, cochineal color, perilla color, red cabbage color, flavonoid, carotenoid, quinoid, porphyrins, anthocyanins, and polyphenols; Red No. 401, Red No. 227, Red No. 504, Red No. 218, Orange No. 205P, Yellow No. 4, Yellow No. 5, Green No. 201, pyranine conc., Blue No. 1, 2,4-diaminophenoxyethanol hydrochloride, Alizuline Purple SS, Purple No. 401, Black No. 401, Helindon Pink, Yellow No. 401, Benzidine yellow G, Blue No. 404, Red No. 104, and meta-aminophenol.
 6. A cosmetic comprising (A′) one or more substances selected from the group of: phycobiliproteins such as phycocyanin, phycoerythrocyanin, and phycoerythrin; natural or synthetic components such as vitamin A, β-carotene, vitamin K, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B2 derivatives, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid, niacin, salicylic acid, lycopene, gardenia color, capsicum color, capsicum extract, paprika color, safflower color, turmeric color, cochineal color, perilla color, red cabbage color, flavonoid, carotenoid, quinoid, porphyrins, anthocyanins, and polyphenols; Red No. 401, Red No. 227, Red No. 504, Red No. 218, Orange No. 205P, Yellow No. 4, Yellow No. 5, Green No. 201, pyranine conc., Blue No. 1, 2,4-diaminophenoxyethanol hydrochloride, Alizuline Purple SS, Purple No. 401, Black No. 401, Helindon Pink, Yellow No. 401, Benzidine yellow G, Blue No. 404, Red No. 104, meta-aminophenol, a zinc oxide phosphor, and a magnesium titanate phosphor, and (B) one or more water-soluble thickeners selected from the group of an alkyl-modified carboxyvinyl polymer, an associative thickener, xanthan gum, and a (meth)acrylic acid/alkyl (meth)acrylate/(meth)acrylic acid POE monoalkyl ether ester/ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate interpolymer.
 7. The cosmetic according to claim 1, wherein the alkyl-modified carboxyvinyl polymer comprises an (acrylates/alkyl acrylate (C10-30)) crosspolymer.
 8. The cosmetic according to claim 1, wherein the associative thickener comprises a hydrophobically modified polyether urethane.
 9. The cosmetic according to claim 8, wherein the hydrophobically modified polyether urethane comprises a PEG-240/decyltetradeceth-20/HDI) copolymer.
 10. The cosmetic according to claim 1, wherein the (meth)acrylic acid/alkyl (meth)acrylate/(meth)acrylic acid POE monoalkyl ether ester/ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate interpolymer comprises one or more selected from the group of an (acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate) copolymer, an (acrylates/steareth-25 methacrylate) copolymer, an (acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate) crosspolymer, and an (ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/beheneth-25 methacrylate) crosspolymer.
 11. The cosmetic according to claim 1, further comprising a polymerized phosphate.
 12. The cosmetic according to claim 11, wherein the polymerized phosphate comprises sodium hexametaphosphate.
 13. The cosmetic according to claim 1, which is a lotion, a cosmetic cream, or a cosmetic emulsion.
 14. The cosmetic according to claim 1, which exhibits a fluorescence intensity increasing effect.
 15. The cosmetic according to claim 1, which exhibits a cell activation effect. 